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LAHORE, March 13: Shahida Parveen, a classical and folk singer, died of kidney failure here on Thursday after a week-long illness. She was 50.

She was admitted to Shaikh Zayed Hospital last week with kidney problem. After some initial improvement, her condition deteriorated on Wednesday and she died at 2am. She was buried at 3pm on Thursday.

Known for her skill on classical genre of music, Shahida Parveen made her mark by singing sufi poetry as well. Mainly trained by her late mother, Zahida Parveen — a noted singer in the 1950s and 60s in her own right — Shahida Parveen also got education in music from Patiala Gharana. She was a disciple of Akhtar Ali Khan, father of Amanat Ali Khan and Hamid Ali Khan.

“Shahida was one of those rare people who started singing after learning the skill,” said Farukh Bashir of the PTV. Education in music had refined her personality to a great extent, meaning thereby that she had absorbed music in its all manifestations and forms. She was one of those singer who did not need on-job-training like many of her contemporaries, Mr Bashir added.

APP adds: She was also the disciple of well-known classical singer of the sub-continent, Ustad Chhotey Ghulam Ali Khan.

The artist was buried in Miani Sahib graveyard where a large number of artists belonging to radio, television and theatre attended the funeral.